English National Ballet appoints first medical director to oversee dancers’ health

English National Ballet has appointed a medical director for the first time to head up its work on science and medicine for dancers.

The company, led by Tamara Rojo, has hired Andy Reynolds in the new role, which will see him lead a team comprising a company doctor, physiotherapist, and a masseur and acupuncturist.

Reynolds joins ENB from Harlequins Rugby Club, where he was head of medical services.

As medical director he will work within the expanded fitness and rehabilitation facilities at ENB’s new east London home, to which it will move this spring.

Rojo said: “The appointment of a medical director is integral to our ambition to establish English National Ballet as a renowned centre for medical, fitness and injury rehabilitation provision in the dance world.

“I look forward to welcoming Andy to the team as we strive to further invest in the health and well-being of our dancers in a way that supports their artistic development, so they can reach their full potential as artists.”

Reynolds’ appointment comes as ENB announces its 2019-20 season – in its 70th-anniversary year – which includes a full-length production by Akram Khan, inspired by Frankenstein.

Creature is the second full-length show Khan has created for ENB, co-produced with Sadler’s Wells, where it will premiere in April 2020.

The season will also include the first audio-described performance by ENB, of Khan’s earlier work Giselle.

The special performance for visually impaired audiences will take place during a run of the show, co-produced with Sadler’s Wells and Manchester International Festival.

Elsewhere on the programme is the return of Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella, Le Corsaire, and ENB’s Nutcracker, which runs in Liverpool and London.

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